04/30/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/30/2024 10:17
At their 2024 State of the County event on April 30, the Delaware County Commissioners focused their presentations on showcasing how they translate their "Smart Growth" policy into action every day.
"It's a phrase that has become closely associated with Delaware County," said Commissioner Jeff Benton. "We certainly know all about growth in terms of population, but it's also the growth of choices we face when managing the needs of our constituents."
The annual event, now in its seventh year, was held at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's Heart of Africa Event Center and attracted its largest audience ever with more than 250 local leaders and community representatives in attendance.
At last year's State of the County event, the Commissioners announced the launch of a new economic development strategic plan project. One of the videos unveiled today showcased the results of that study.
Commissioner Barb Lewis spotlighted the physical and social-service infrastructures that play in a pivotal role in managing the county's continued growth.
"Here in Delaware County, we all recognize that creating safe and healthy communities is essential for maintaining the quality of life for which we are renowned," Lewis said.
Commissioner Gary Merrell unveiled the results of another countywide study completed in the last year: A project that analyzed the state of broadband services in Delaware County and developed recommendations to improve them.
"Reliable and affordable access to the internet has become a basic and fundamental need for our society," Merrell said.
Among the study's findings:
The State of the County event closed with a video that captured the events of April 8, 2024, when a total solar eclipse occurred in Delaware County. The videos, along with the Commissioners' presentations can be viewed on the county's website at: https://co.delaware.oh.us/2024-state-of-the-county/.